A seal that was stranded on Wellington's Oriental Bay has been put down.
The injured seal before it was put down. Photo: Supplied / Huha
The seal had what is believed to be a dogfish spine embedded in its head.
The Department of Conservation said a vet who assessed the seal this morning did not believe its chances of survival would improve by removing the spine.
He said the seal was taken to a secluded location to be euthanised and buried.
In an effort to protect it, an animal welfare group, HUHA, put cones around the seal, and guarded it overnight.